When I bought the car it had an already existing brake-light problem causing the brakelights to stay on when the headlights are on. The dash lights also don't work. A dreadful exuast leak, And the starter motor.
This car was a bit neglected when I bought it from a college kid. He had just gotten a great job and bought himself a brand new GTI. So I Guess he just wanted this one gone out of his sight. I offered $400 for it and was driving it 3 days later. I am very lucky to have scored a deal this good because this car runs and drives mint. However I will not be buying a car of this make because of electrical problems.
That's too bad about yours dude. I've been driving a 2.0 litre, 16v for 14 years now and have never had an electrical issue. I bought it new and never regretted it. It is still sitting in the garage and I love driving it. It's been a kick butt little car and I intend to keep it for awhile. Maintenance has been minimal, although things come up once in awhile on a 14 year old car.
I would be reluctant to beat up on the brand. My first new car was also a Volkswagen, wrecked courtesy of a red light runner. When the time comes for me to retire "Mean Green", I'll be challenged to buy something other than another Volkswagen. I've got 20 consecutive years of driving them and have never had the issues you outlined. Sorry it didn't work out for you.
Me too, now driving VW number 19 (a 92 2 litre 16v), I have driven 1.8 8v's mostly in the past and love them. I will always own a VW. The dash lights are probably just the bulbs burn out (its common for VW and the bulbs are about $3 for all of them or free at the parts yard). As for the brakes lights being on when the headlights are on, my 90 GL Golf did that too, it's simply the way the DRL's worked. I am talking about the running lights, not sure you really meant the "brake" lights or if it was the running lights.
Owning VW's takes a different set of rules but if followed correctly these vehicles are very much a pleasure to own, drive and love. Once bitten by the VW bug you get the fever for life.
My advice, stick to a 2nd gen (85-92) Golf or Jetta with manual trans and windows and no A/C. Very cheap to own, a blast to drive and timeless design, they still look great on the road.
Happy veedubbing!
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